The government has launched a new scheme whereby pet owners would have access to a emergency veterinary services even outside office hours.

Following an assessment of the veterinary services in the country, the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights has decided to strengthen urgent veterinary care for animals, it said in a statement.

"This will be achieved through a scheme in collaboration with the Veterinary Surgeons Council, whereby emergency services will be provided by various licensed clinics. The main goal of this service is to ensure the care and well-being of animals during hours when veterinary services are normally unavailable. In doing so, the urgent need for accessible, high-quality emergency veterinary care across Malta and Gozo is being addressed," the government statement said.

Through this scheme, the government is ensuring that pet owners: Have continuous access to an emergency veterinary service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; Can obtain timely care to reduce their animals' suffering in the most effective way; Benefit from an enhanced service through financial incentives offered to clinics participating in this emergency program; Receive adequate support, ensuring that no owner is left alone when facing an animal-related emergency.

The service will be provided in three regions: Gozo, the north of Malta, and the south of Malta. Licensed clinics in these designated regions will be invited to participate through a rotation system, the government said.

The service will operate every night between 8PM and 8AM, as well as from 8AM to 8PM on Sundays and Public Holidays, until the Animal Hospital at Ta' Qali begins operating on a permanent basis, it said.

"Veterinary clinics that are licensed, have the capacity, and are committed to providing high-quality emergency services are invited to express their interest in joining this initiative. Full details of the scheme, including eligibility criteria and service requirements, can be found in the Expression of Interest (EOI) documentation, available at vsc.gov.mt."

In the coming days, the Veterinary Services Council will announce the selected veterinary clinics that will be participating in the Out-of-Hours Veterinary Emergency Services Scheme. The list of participating clinics will be published on vsc.gov.mt to ensure transparency and provide clear information to the public on where emergency veterinary care can be accessed outside regular service hours, the statement continued.